Utility cover for use with automated metering equipment

Abstract

Utility covers and utility cover assemblies for use with automated metering infrastructure equipment are provided. The utility cover includes a body having one or more windows that permit electromagnetic energy to pass through the body with limited or no attenuation. One or more plugs made of a material substantially transparent to electromagnetic energy seals the one or more windows to limit or prevent moisture to pass through the one or more windows.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A utility cover comprising:
 a body having an upper side and a bottom side, at least one window within the body; 
 a plug positioned within the at least one window so that a top surface of the plug is substantially flush with the upper side of the body; and 
 an electronic module configured to transmit electromagnetic energy or receive electromagnetic energy, the electronic module being secured to the bottom side of the body so that a distal end of the electronic module extends into at least a portion of the at least one window from the bottom side of the body and is adjacent the plug; 
 the body being made from a material capable of supporting pedestrian or vehicle traffic, and the plug being made from a material that is substantially transparent to electromagnetic energy so that electromagnetic energy can pass through the plug to or from the electronic module without being substantially attenuated. 
 
     
     
       2. The utility cover according to  claim 1 , wherein the body is made of a metallic material. 
     
     
       3. The utility cover according to  claim 2 , wherein the metallic material comprises cast iron, steel or aluminum. 
     
     
       4. The utility cover according to  claim 1 , wherein the material substantially transparent to electromagnetic energy comprises fiberglass composite, polymer concrete, polyethylene, polypropylene or vulcanized rubber. 
     
     
       5. The utility cover according to  claim 1 , further comprising an apron secured to or integrally formed into the body and positioned to surround the at least one window. 
     
     
       6. The utility cover according to  claim 5 , further comprising at least one rib secured to or integrally formed into the body and extending radially outward from the apron. 
     
     
       7. A utility cover comprising:
 a body having an upper side, a bottom side, at least one window within the body, and a plug positioned within the at least one window so that a top surface of the plug is substantially flush with the upper side of the body, wherein the body is made from a material capable of supporting pedestrian or vehicle traffic, and the plug is made from a material that is substantially transparent to electromagnetic energy so that electromagnetic energy can pass through the plug without being substantially attenuated; and 
 an electronic module secured to the bottom side of the body with a holding bracket and capable of transmitting electromagnetic energy or receiving electromagnetic energy, the electronic module being secured to the bottom side of the body so that a distal end of the electronic module extends into at least a portion of the at least one window from the bottom side of the body and is in close proximity to the plug. 
 
     
     
       8. The utility cover according to  claim 7 , wherein the body is made of a metallic material. 
     
     
       9. The utility cover according to  claim 7 , wherein the metallic material comprises cast iron, steel or aluminum. 
     
     
       10. The utility cover according to  claim 7 , wherein the material substantially transparent to electromagnetic energy comprises fiberglass composite, polymer concrete, polyethylene, polypropylene, or vulcanized rubber. 
     
     
       11. The utility cover according to  claim 7 , wherein the electromagnetic energy comprises radio frequency signals. 
     
     
       12. The utility cover according to  claim 7 , further comprising an apron secured to or integrally formed into the body and positioned to surround the at least one window. 
     
     
       13. The utility cover according to  claim 12 , further comprising at least one rib secured to or integrally formed into the body and extending radially outward from the apron. 
     
     
       14. A utility cover assembly comprising:
 a frame having a lip around an interior portion of the frame; 
 a utility cover adapted to fit within the interior portion of the frame and rest on the lip, the utility cover including a body having an upper side, a bottom side, at least one window within the body, and a plug positioned within the at least one window so that a top surface of the plug is substantially flush with the upper side of the body, wherein the body is made from a material capable of supporting pedestrian or vehicle traffic, and the plug is made from a material that is substantially transparent to electromagnetic energy so that electromagnetic energy can pass through the plug without being substantially attenuated; and 
 an electronic module secured to the bottom side of the body and capable of transmitting electromagnetic energy or receiving electromagnetic energy, the electronic module being secured to the bottom side of the body so that a distal end of the electronic module extends into at least a portion of the at least one window from the bottom side of the body and is in close proximity to the plug. 
 
     
     
       15. The utility cover according to  claim 14 , further comprising a holding bracket for securing the electronic module to the bottom side of the body. 
     
     
       16. The utility cover according to  claim 14 , wherein the body is made of a metallic material. 
     
     
       17. The utility cover according to  claim 16 , wherein the metallic material comprises cast iron, steel or aluminum. 
     
     
       18. The utility cover according to  claim 14 , wherein the material substantially transparent to electromagnetic energy comprises fiberglass composite, polymer concrete, polyethylene, polypropylene, or vulcanized rubber. 
     
     
       19. The utility cover according to  claim 14 , further comprising an apron secured to or integrally formed into the body and positioned to surround the at least one window. 
     
     
       20. The utility cover according to  claim 19 , further comprising at least one rib secured to or integrally formed into the body and extending radially outward from the apron.